Push to Prosperity, former Gamecock makes waves in WWE
Former South Carolina Football player Matrick Belton, now better known as Trick Williams in the WWE became the new NXT Champion on Tuesday night.
On Wednesday Williams was interviewed on WWE’s The Bump. He was asked by a social media user what advice he had for someone who wants to chase their dreams. Williams then brought things full circle from his football days to now. “My dream school was the University of South Carolina,” Williams stated.
He would leave Hampton where he had a full ride, and go through tryouts to become a walk-on at USC. His previous coaches warned he just played his last down of football and Williams said, “I had to take a chance on myself and say this is what I want to do, this is what I’m gonna do.” Williams would make the team at South Carolina.
Williams would play in 21 games and make 5 starts in his career at South Carolina. He would catch 11 passes for 121 yards in his 2015 season. He primarily played on special teams in the 2016 season, and was named to the SEC Fall Academic Honor Roll. Trick Williams credits the same attitude that got him to his dream college for getting him to where he is currently in the WWE.
Trick Williams made his NXT debut in 2021 as the ultimate hype man and ally for star Carmelo Hayes. Williams knew he had more to give though. In 2023 Williams bet on himself, much like in college, and was afforded the opportunity to shine in the ring.
You can catch Trick Williams continuing his title reign on Tuesday nights on The USA Network.
